WHAT DO WE KNOW ABOUT PREVENTING ALZHEIMERS DISEASE?

Alzheimers is a fatal disease of the brain thatcauses problems with memory, thinking andbehavior. It is the most common cause ofdementia, a general term for the loss of memoryand other abilities serious enough to interferewith daily life.

While Alzheimer's is not normal aging, age isthe greatest known risk factor for developingthe disease. However, many experts believe themajority of Alzheimer's cases occur as a result of complex interactions among genes andother factors.

Medications are available to temporarily improvecognitive function and quality of life, but there is no known way to prevent, cure or even slow the disease - yet. The Alzheimer's Association is leading the worldwide effort to find a treatment for Alzheimer's, delay its onset and prevent it from developing.

Cognitive decline is a deterioration in memoryor cognition that is, to some extent, expectedwith age. Normal cognitive decline is differentfrom dementia in that it is not severe enough tointerfere with daily life.

Research is still evolving, but evidence is strong that people can reduce their risk by making key lifestyle changes, including participating in regular physical activity and maintaining good heart health. Based on this research, the Alzheimer's Association offers 10 Ways to Love Your Brain, a collection of tips that can reduce the risk of cognitive decline.

It's never too late or too early to start thinking about your brain's health - making healthy choices at any age is beneficial. The Alzheimer's Association has identified the following lifestyle habits as ways to reduce your risk of cognitive decline and maintain or potentially improve your overall health.

BREAK A SWEATEngage in regular cardiovascular exercise thatelevates your heart rate and increasesblood flow to the brain and body. Severalstudies have found an associationbetween physical activity and reducedrisk of cognitive decline.

HIT THE BOOKSFormal education in any stage of life will help reduce your risk of cognitive decline anddementia. For example, take a class at alocal college, community center or online.

HEADS UPBrain injury can raise your risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Wear a seat belt, use a helmet when playing contact sports or riding a bike, and take steps to prevent falls.

FUEL UP RIGHTEat a healthy and balanced diet that is lower in fat and higher in vegetables and fruit to help reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Although research on diet and cognitive function is limited, certain diets, including Mediterranean and Mediterranean-DASH (Dietary Approachesto Stop Hypertension), may contribute torisk reduction.

CATCH SOME ZZZ'SNot getting enough sleep due to conditions likeinsomnia or sleep apnea may result inproblems with memory and thinking.

STUMP YOURSELFChallenge and activate your mind. Build a piece of furniture. Complete a jigsaw puzzle. Dosomething artistic. Play games, such asbridge, that make you think strategically.Challenging your mind may have shortand long-term benefits for your brain.

BUDDY UPStaying socially engaged may support brain health. Pursue social activities that are meaningful to you. Find ways to be part of your local community - if you love animals, consider volunteering at a local shelter. If you enjoy singing, join a local choir or help at an after-school program. Or, just share activities with friends and family.

For more information about Alzheimer's and for local resources, visit alz.org or call the 24-hour Helpline at 1-800-272-3900.

Disclaimer: Please use this channel at your own discretion. These articles are contributed by our users. We are not responsible or liable for any problems related to the utilization of information of these articles.

StLouisIndian.net is operated under
IndianLoop.com network (Broadlink, LLC site) and is
a Trademark of BroadLink, LLC. Any unauthorized use of these Trademarks is strictly prohibited.
All the content on this site is protected under the copyright law. No content can be reproduced in any form without the written consent of BroadLink, LLC.